Bulk & Bagged Gravel Calculator
Work out how much gravel you need and whether to buy it bagged or in bulk. Enter your area and depth to get the volume, tonnes, cubic yards and an estimate of the number of bags.
Bulk & Bagged Gravel Calculator Tool
How many bags of gravel do I need?
Bagged gravel is sold by volume or weight. Common sizes and how many fill a cubic yard:
| Bag size | Approx. weight | Bags per cubic yard | Bags per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ft³ | ≈ 50 lb (23 kg) | ≈ 54 | ≈ 44 |
| 1.0 ft³ | ≈ 100 lb (45 kg) | ≈ 27 | ≈ 22 |
| 25 kg bag | 25 kg | ≈ 48 | 40 |
| Bulk bag (tote) | ≈ 1 tonne (0.5–0.7 yd³) | ≈ 1.4 | 1 |
Bulk vs bagged: which is cheaper?
- Bagged gravel is convenient for small jobs (under ~1 yd³) and easy to carry, but costs much more per tonne.
- Bulk (loose or 1-tonne tote bags) is far cheaper per tonne and best for driveways and larger areas, but needs delivery and somewhere to dump it.
- As a rough rule, once you need more than about 1 cubic yard (≈40 bags), bulk delivery wins on price.
Suppliers such as landscape-supply yards and big-box stores (and regional suppliers like BURNCO in Western Canada) sell both — use the calculated tonnage or yardage above to request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 54 half-cubic-foot bags, or 27 one-cubic-foot bags, per cubic yard. For 25 kg bags it is roughly 48 bags per cubic yard.
How many bags of gravel do I need?
Calculate the volume (area × depth), then divide by the bag size. The calculator shows the total volume and weight so you can divide by your chosen bag size.
Is bulk gravel cheaper than bagged?
Yes — bulk gravel is much cheaper per tonne. Bagged gravel only makes sense for small jobs under about one cubic yard where convenience matters more than price.
How much does a bulk bag of gravel weigh?
A bulk 'tote' bag typically holds about 1 tonne, which is roughly 0.5–0.7 cubic yards of gravel.
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Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on the values you enter and typical material densities. Actual quantities vary with gravel type, particle size, moisture and compaction. Cost estimates cover material only and exclude labour, delivery and taxes. Confirm quantities with your supplier.